A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the last seven days:
- On the most recent installment of the MLBTR Podcast, Jeff welcomed MLBTR’s Steve Adams to the show to discuss his philosophy on liberally extending qualifying offers. The discussion then moves into this year’s market, covering a host of possible QO recipients — including players such as Marco Estrada (Blue Jays), Daniel Murphy (Mets), Denard Span (Nationals), David Freese (Angels), Matt Wieters (Orioles), Ian Kennedy (Padres), and Colby Rasmus (Astros). A new episode of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast is released every Thursday and can be accessed on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
- Justin Upton, baseball’s first overall draft pick a decade ago, will reach free agency this winter at age 28 with a solid track record of hitting for power. Recently, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes looked at Upton’s market and potential contract. Tim sees the Padres outfielder netting a seven-year, $147MM contract on the open market.
- Scott Boras might start out by seeking a Russell Martin-type deal for client Matt Wieters, but will he get it? Tim looked at the market that awaits the Orioles catcher in the coming months.
- Charlie Wilmoth looked at the A’s offseason and what they’ll have to do to rebound from a 94-loss season. Charlie wouldn’t rule out anything in Oakland, and that includes trades of Stephen Vogt, Jesse Chavez, or even Josh Reddick.
- Here’s a refresher on the qualifying offer system and how it works.
- Could the Cubs and Jake Arrieta hammer out an extension this winter? Tim sees it as a possibility for the Cubs, who could fortify their team in a number of ways this offseason.
- Recently, MLB Trade Rumors launched a brand new official Instagram account:@TradeRumorsMLB. Each day, we’re sharing conversation-inspiring images about the hottest topics in baseball. From there, we invite you to give us a like, weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section, and even share the link with a friend. So, what are you waiting for? If you don’t have an Instagram account, this is the perfect excuse to sign up and get one. Follow us on Instagram today!
- After one of the most frenetic offseasons in recent history, the Padres entered the 2015 season with elevated expectations and a wildly different roster than the one inherited by first-year GM A.J. Preller. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned for the Padres in 2015, and Steve ran down some of their options this winter to turn things around.
- Is Jordan Zimmermann a top-of-the-staff stalwart or a steady mid-rotation arm? Jeff looked at both sides of the coin and concluded that the 29-year-old could still get a hefty six-year pact.
- Mike Leake is poised to be one of the youngest free-agent pitchers in recent memory and Steve sees some serious dollar signs in his future.
- With several key players hitting the free agent market, the Orioles’ roster could look significantly different come Opening Day, Mark Polishuk writes. There has been a lot of discussion as to whether the Orioles should extend a QO to Matt Wieters, and Mark opines that the catcher would reject it if offered.
- If you missed out on last weeks chat, get caught up with the transcripts here and here.
If I’m Weiters and they offer a QO—I would, before I turn it down , explore something for 2-4 years with the QO being part of the deal. Of course based on the outcome of the physical. They may want Davis more and the ability to save $15 M might be more necessary.
The Red Sox might have an interest-SH –1 B, emergency catcher, frees up the trade possibility of Swihart for a TOTR hurler, like Sonny Gray or Chris Sale or Carrasco or Salazar.
I would make my best offer to any Boras client and leave it at that.